Privacy Statement
Overview
Pay It Forward Scouting (“PitFS,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Statement explains what information we collect, how we use it, how we protect it, and the choices you have.
1) Information We Collect
We collect only the information necessary to operate our website and carry out our charitable mission.
A.
Information you provide voluntarily
- Donor information (e.g., name, email, phone, mailing address) when you donate, contact us, or request information.
- Grant request information (when requests are enabled), which may include contact information, unit/Pack/Troop information, leader contact information, request type, request amount, and details needed to evaluate the request.
- Communications you send us (emails, messages, forms). B. Information collected automatically Like most websites, we may collect limited technical information such as IP address, browser type, device type, operating system, pages visited, time spent on the site, and basic diagnostic/security logs. This information is used for security, site perform ance, and to understand general website usage trends. C. Payment information PitFS does not store full payment card information on our servers. Donations made via third‑party payment p rocessors (e.g., Zelle, Stripe, PayPal, Venmo) are processed by those providers under their own privacy practices. We may receive confirmation details such as donation amount, date, transaction ID, and donor contact information if you choose to provide it.
2) How We Use Information
We use information to process donations and provide receipts/acknowledgments when applicable; respond to inquiries and support requests; evaluate grant requests (once enabled) and administer grant decisions; prevent fraud and protect our website and donors; and maintain records required for nonprofit compliance and financial reporting.
3) How We Share Information
We do not sell, share, rent, or trade your personal information to other organizations for marketing or fundraising purposes.
We do not send mailings to donors on behalf of other organizations.
We may share information only in limited circumstances:
- With service providers who help us operate (e.g., website hosting, email services, payment processors). These providers are permitted to use information only to provide services to PitFS.
- To comply with law (e.g., legal requests, subpoenas, or regulatory re quirements).
- To protect rights and safety (e.g., preventing fraud, enforcing policies, or protecting donors, applicants, and PitFS).
4) Donor and Applicant Confidentiality
PitFS aims to protect the privacy of both donors and grant recipients wherever possible. We limit access to personal information to authorized volunteers who need it to perform their roles.
Public reporting and promotional materials will avoid disclosing p ersonal identities. When practical, PitFS makes disbursements directly to appropriate service providers (e.g., Scout Shops, units, camps) rather than to individuals.
5) Verification and Review of Grant Requests
To protect donors, ensure fairness, and safeguard the integrity of the program, PitFS reserves the right to review and research grant requests to determine legitimacy and appropriateness.
As part of this process, PitFS may:
- Contact unit leadership (e.g., Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Committee Chair) to verify participation and request details;
- Reference Scouting‑related records or information that may help confirm eligibility and circumstances; and
- Use other reasonable sources to validate information provi ded in the request. Throughout this process, PitFS will remain respectful of the requestor’s privacy. We will seek and use only the information reasonably necessary to evaluate the request, limit access to authorized volunteers, and avoid public disclosure of personal identit ies.
6) Data Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information. However, no system can be guaranteed 100% secure.
7) Data Retention
We retain information only as long as needed to carry out our mission and operations; meet legal, regulatory, and accounting requirements; and maintain appropriate nonprofit records.
8) Children’s Privacy
PitFS supports youth, but our website is not intended for children under 13 to submit personal information without a parent/guardian or unit leader’s involvement. If we learn we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without appropriate consent, we will delete it when feasible.
9) Cookies and Analytics
We may use cookies or similar technologies to support basic site functionality and understand general site usage. You can control cookies through your browser settings.
Disabling cookies may affect site functionality.
10) External Links
Our website may contain links to third‑party sites or payment platforms. PitFS is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those sites.
Please review their policies.